Our lab conducts research that examines the influences of social relationships and motivational processes for well-being and health across the adult lifespan. Current projects focus on the role of goals and motivational processes for adaptive functioning in daily life (emotion regulation; stress; health behaviors). In addition, we examine how health trajectories influence and are influenced by close others such as spouses. Overall, the long-term goal of our research is to better understand the social and motivational resources that contribute to the successful mastery of challenges and foster healthy functioning in different phases of the lifespan.

The Social Health Lab investigates how people establish, negotiate, and sustain social relationships. Some of our lab’s current research questions include: How do different neuroendocrine systems and hormones (including oxytocin, testosterone, estradiol and progesterone) regulate and influence social cognition and behaviour? Why do some first-year students and new immigrants in Vancouver have more difficulty making friends than others, and what effects do friendship formation have on health? Can smartphone user behaviour can be used to predict well-being and health outcomes such as social connection, loneliness, and sleep quality? Can social support be communicated through olfactory cues?

Our lab focuses on Understanding Pathways Linking Inter- and Intraindividual Factors To (UPLIFT) Health. We examine biological and behavioural mechanisms underlying the associations of stress and positive experiences with long-term health and aging. We are particularly interested in the roles of positive experiences in stress processes. The overarching goal of our research is to identify aspects of everyday life that can be targeted in interventions to promote healthy aging.